Ukraine closes Crimean ports for international navigation

(QHA) -

Ukraine’s State Inspectorate for the Safety of Sea and River Transport is closing Crimean sea ports for international navigation, Ukrainian media reports quoting the inspectorate’s statement as saying.

Among the ports there are those of Evpatoria, Kerch, Sevastopol, Feodosia and Yalta.

“The decision means that any ship that enters Crimean port makes it at its own risk. The owners and captains of the ships, who ignore the ban [to enter Crimea ports,- ed.] to face problems, such as fines and even jail. There are precedents for the issue”- reads the statement.

The closure of Crimean ports comes after Russia’s annexation of the peninsula in March.